Campus life imitates art: classic college movies that should always be in session

There have been hundreds of movies released about the trials and tribulations of young adults as they exit the comfort of their hometowns and enter a new phase of their lives: college.

These movies are fun, silly, some even thrilling. Still, few actually align with the real college experience: shoebox-sized residence hall rooms, controversial dining hall options and rigorous course loads.

But, a select few movies hit the nail on the head with relatable moments and references to college culture. The following are just a couple of recommendations for Rutgers alumni looking to reminisce about precious young adult memories. 

"Pitch Perfect"

While not everyone's college experience includes winning a national acapella championship, "Pitch Perfect" will flash every college student back to the chaos of their first year. The iconic musical film highlights the close-knit relationships formed between students participating in the arts. 

At the start of "Pitch Perfect," Beca Mitchell (Anna Kendrick) struggles to fit in at her new university, clashing with her roommate, a trial known all too well by many randomly assigned residence hall pairings.

Nonetheless, Beca attends the activity fair, like most college students during their first week, and takes a chance on "The Bellas." As her year takes off, viewers witness her journey to discover herself as she experiences drama, college parties, romance, friendship and more. 

Though few spend this much time singing and navigating club politics during university, it's undeniable that Beca's character provides an accurate depiction of all the nerve-wracking firsts that come with college.

"Legally Blonde"

Some may think that "Legally Blonde" deserves to be on the list of most unrealistic college flicks, but outside of Elle Wood's (Reese Witherspoon) glamorous lifestyle and spontaneous Harvard Law School acceptance, the rest of the story addresses a lot of common struggles associated with transitioning into adulthood. 

Elle's greatest conquest throughout the film is the idea of succeeding in the discipline of law, as she is constantly undermined for her appearance, attitude and gender. Women either looking to break into or already working in male-dominated industries can likely relate to her frustration as her ex-boyfriend Warner (Matthew Davis) and his new girlfriend Vivian (Selma Blair) constantly outline Elle's shortcomings. 

While there are some goofy comedic moments, like Elle's Harvard admission video being filmed in a bikini and her law school move-in requiring an extra truck and an entire entourage, the movie does a great job of addressing universal insecurities among individuals in their early 20s, especially women. 

After all, college is supposed to be about discovering oneself and the people you want to surround yourself with. Elle does just that, uncovering pieces of herself that she never knew existed and unexpected relationships along the way.  

"The Social Network"

What better movie to include in this list than one based on a true story? Just disregard that the plot line has changed the entire world.

Mark Zuckerberg's (Jesse Eisenberg) portrayal in "The Social Network" is the epitome of what tech-related majors across the world dream of when they get to college: come up with a grand idea and start a trillion-dollar company right from their room.

Zuckerberg's drive, ambition and ingenuity might not resemble most college students', but it certainly captures the essence of what they aspire to be. 

At the start of the film, Zuckerberg is a Harvard student bogged down by rejection and unfair social hierarchies, channeling his inner frustrations into a personal project. Even with such large ambitions, his humanity slips through at various moments as he attempts to find identity, validation and a home on campus.

The film masterfully portrays the reality of late-night brainstorming sessions and the omnipresent quest for recognition. While your average student might not have to deal with lawsuits or backstabbing business partners, "The Social Network" offers a poignant look into the vastly unpredictable and tumultuous journey of finding one's place in a competitive, rapidly changing world.

"Monsters University"

Some may question how an animated children's movie about monsters could have much to do with the college experience. But, it's riveting to reflect on "Monsters University" as a student and pinpoint all the references that the film makes to young adulthood. 

As Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) and James "Sully" Sullivan (John Goodman) embark on quests to join fraternities on campus, they spark a rivalry that becomes a defining aspect of their characters. Mike and Sully serve as relatable surrogates for any first-year student at a big school like Rutgers.

The duo truly represents two extremes. Mike's character should hit home with other dedicated students, who strive to succeed in their college careers. Sully's character aligns with those who see college as one giant social opportunity.

While one may find it hard to connect with two green and blue creatures on a superficial level, one can resonate with the film's depiction of finals week, college parties, lack of financial stability and most importantly, fear of the future. 

College graduates and hopefuls alike can agree — these are some of the most relatable pieces of media in the coming-of-age genre.